Raleigh paper drops last of printed stock listings

The (Raleigh) News & Observer has eliminated the last of its printed stock listings — the local stocks of interest.

Managing editor Dan Barkin explained to Talking Biz News:

We are always reviewing how we use space in the paper. Over time, we have reduced the space for financial agate because it can be obtained in many places online, including our web site, newsobserver.com. As we were reviewing our space plans for 2018, we decided to eliminate the last of the agate. This particular agate was an assortment of stocks of local interest. But the fact is, relatively few people own individual stocks. With the popularity of 401(k) accounts, most people who are in the equity markets own mutual funds. And individuals who do own stocks can easily check prices online. So it seemed like a good idea to use this space 5 days a week for stories that would serve a broader audience.

The paper cut its daily stock listings in 2006.